The state of medical science being what it was in the Civil War era, many soldiers received wounds that they knew would be mortal (And in some cases it took awhile for them to die). Thus, there are many examples of statements made and letters dictated to friends and relatives by those wanting to make a final communication before expiring.

An example I would cite was that of General William "Bull " Nelson. General Nelson was mortally wounded by a shot from a revolver fired by General Jefferson C. Davis at the Galt House in Louisville in 1862. After being shot, General Nelson spotted General Thomas Ewing among those present. He allegedly said to General Ewing: "Hello, Tom. I am murdered."